What's that howl at the BLM Campbell Tract?!

This year a record 4,000+ Iditarod enthusiasts of all ages chose to view the March 2nd Ceremonial Start of the 41st Iditarod Sled Dog Race at the BLM Campbell Tract in Anchorage.

While thousands of mushing fans lined Anchorage’s crowded downtown Fourth Avenue for the kickoff of the Ceremonial Start, others instead chose the Campbell Tract for its easy access, free parking, elbow room, and the hospitality of the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center. The center offered a cheerful place to warm up, visit (heated!) bathrooms, chat with friendly staff and volunteers, and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, courtesy of the Science Center Friends group.

The Iditarod Ceremonial Start begins in downtown Anchorage and ends at the BLM Campbell Tract, where mushers pack up their teams for the start of the official race the next day in Willow, one hour north of Anchorage. Mushers then race to Nome, over portions of the Iditarod National Historic Trail system, for roughly 1,000 miles, with the winner arriving in Nome approximately 10 days later.

Anchorage Field Office outdoor recreation planner Jorjena Daly credits the success of the Iditarod Ceremonial Start viewing at Campbell Tract to the skilled team of BLM staff and volunteers. The Latter Day Saints Alaska Anchorage Mission provided 24 parking volunteers. “These volunteers received compliments from visitors and our shuttle bus drivers for their smiles and great work to keep traffic moving and parked smoothly throughout the day,” explains Jena.

BLM partnered with the Municipality of Anchorage and the Anchorage School District to provide parking at a local elementary school and municipal park. Shuttle buses provided continuous service for more than 1,700 riders throughout the day.

What is Jorjena Daly most proud of? “The incredible teamwork of our BLM staff, volunteers and partners,” said Jena. “And no safety incidents!”